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A citizen looks around a pharmacy in Arcachon, southwestern France. The photo is unrelated to the article. / EPA Yonhap

Across France last year, an average of 1.3 assaults per day targeting pharmacists were reported.

On June 4 (local time), the French National Pharmacists’ Association announced in its “Annual Safety Report for Pharmacists” that a total of 468 assault cases against pharmacists were recorded in 2024, according to local media BFM TV.

The region with the highest number of reports was Auvergne–Rhône–Alpes in southeastern France (13.7%), followed by Île‑de‑France (13.5%) and Hauts‑de‑France in the north (9.4%).

The association noted, “Although the number of assaults decreased by about 12% compared to the previous year, the level remains very high. Pharmacists are finding it increasingly difficult to warn, report, and work in a safe environment.”

The most common motive was refusal to dispense medication (164 cases). Other causes included the perpetrator’s impatience (95 cases) and disputes over narcotics or similar substances (64 cases). Some assaults were linked to dissatisfaction with services or attempted theft.

Of the reported cases, 71% involved personal harm, 16% property damage, and 13% both. Among personal harm, verbal abuse was the most frequent (72.6%), followed by physical assault (6.4%) and death threats (4.9%). While most incidents involved verbal violence, there were 10 cases involving weapons such as firearms, knives, or syringes.

René‑Pierre Clément, a pharmacist in Thionville in northern France, said he was assaulted during a night shift last year. He told BFM TV, “Every time I leave the pharmacy, I check my surroundings and behind me. The aftereffects are serious.”

The association pledged to strengthen support for pharmacies affected by assaults, including legal procedures and psychological programs. Last year, 122 safety officers visited 413 pharmacists who reported incidents and provided assistance, as well as support during 11 court cases.

Gilda Bernier, head of safety at the association, advised: “Reporting incidents helps raise awareness by leaving a record.”

                                                                                                              Lim Yoo‑jung